HIS side-splitting storytelling and quirky personality have made him a stand-up superstar.

HIS side-splitting storytelling and quirky personality have made him a stand-up superstar.

And now comedian Alan Carr has returned to his Tyneside roots as he prepares to take on his biggest challenge yet.

The TV funnyman took a break from his busy schedule to visit Newcastle to check out the North East venue for his forthcoming UK arena tour.

But for the camp comedian, born in Weymouth, Dorset, the trip wasn’t all a barrel of laughs.

“We broke down at Kinross last night and had to be towed to Newcastle,” the 34-year-old said.

“My dog Bev wasn’t allowed in the RAC cab, so she had to go on her own towed behind in the mini with her head hanging out the window.

“She’s been in a mood all night and all of this morning. She’s still traumatised. She was looking at me like I’m an unfit father.”

Despite travelling throughout the night, Alan was delighted to be back in Newcastle, where he spent many happy childhood summers visiting his grandmother at her home in West Moor.

“All of my dad’s side are up here. We used to come every summer. I remember going to Whitley Bay and Spanish City.

“My Aunty Audrey still lives in Killingworth and my mum and dad have a flat in North Shields.”

Born in the North East, Alan’s dad Graham Carr is now chief scout at Newcastle United.

Graham, a former professional player and Northampton Town manager, is credited with discovering Toon favourites Cheik Tiote and Hatem Ben Arfa.

“My dad’s doing really well at Newcastle,” said Alan. “I sometimes get messages from people saying ‘howay your dad’.”

Despite being brought up in a football-mad household, Alan carved a career as one of Britain’s most successful comedians.

After winning the BBC New Comedy Award in 2001, he went on to become one of the country’s favourite TV personalities.

His chat show, Alan Carr: Chatty Man – first aired in 2009 – is now in its sixth series. Famous guests include Geordie pop princess Cheryl Cole, who recently landed her dream job as a judge on the US version of the X Factor.

“It’s really good for Cheryl,” said Alan. “She must have gone through hell and back. People saying she had it, then she didn’t. I think she’ll do really well.”

With his strong links to the North East, Alan is hoping for a warm reception in Newcastle on his Spexy Beast arena tour later this year.

“Geordie audiences are great,” he said. “They’re really lovely. The people here are always really friendly.

“I’ve been testing the material. It’s really funny. It’s about how my life has changed and how my life is now.”

Alan Carr’s Spexy Beast tour will come to the Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on October 29 and 30.